The Air Transport Association ofAmerica (ATA), the industry trade organisationof the leading U.S. airlines,has strongly criticised the Los AngelesCity Council’s decision to allow LAXto raise airport rental rates.

In a statement, ATA said that it was"extremely disappointed" that LAX hadbeen given authority to arbitrarily raiseairline terminal rates and "we question the legality of this unjustified action."

ATA president and CEO, James C.May said in the statement that: "socallednegotiations that led to thisincrease, were not conducted with candour and in good faith. There was no sincere effort to reach agreement on fair and reasonable rental rates."

"LAX has demonstrated that it hasno interest in a long-term rational businesspartnership with the airlines. Whatnow is an adversarial relationship canonly negatively impact airline customersand their experience by furtherdelaying the much needed modernisationof this antiquated facility," Mayadded.